diff --git a/sources/qetapp.cpp b/sources/qetapp.cpp
index 5f340b0a4..a51a19ec6 100644
--- a/sources/qetapp.cpp
+++ b/sources/qetapp.cpp
@@ -105,8 +105,9 @@ QETApp::QETApp() :
 	}
 	
 	buildSystemTrayMenu();
-	m_splash_screen -> hide();
-	
+	if (m_splash_screen) {
+		m_splash_screen -> hide();
+	}
 	checkBackupFiles();
 }